We really have been pushed to our limits of 'putting up with things'. Christmas does give us that moment when we can let our hair down and throw caution to the wind and appreciate each other and all that we have. It also accentuates loneliness and all that we do not have. However, do not go headlong into overwhelm, wherever you are at. We can find little moments or touches of joy in doing everyday things that lift our spirits and bring us back down to earth.
Here are Wild Ivy's top Ten little Christmas moments to make the season jollier...
1. Wrap your gifts in scarves and leftover material. It feels good and looks gorgeous. We found these scraps of upholstery material and leftover ribbon from charity shops. Use satin ribbon and save to use again. Rummage through your scarf and sarong drawers.. they make great wrap as well as gifts.
2. If emotions are running high inside. Wrap up and take time out with a cup or flask of tea and leftover Christmas pudding/cake/biscuit/mince pie in the garden or nature. Forget the cold, sitting in nature with our hands wrapped around a warm cup of tea calms us, fills our lungs with fresh air and balances us out.
3. Last minute gifting required or New Year party gifts needed...? Try and chose sustainably. Look for gifts that don't cost the earth in money or resources. Our shop is still full of eco gifts for sale or why not choose a Wild Ivy Gift Card?
4 Pull on the wellies and take a walk on your own or with friends in the park or countryside. Notice the wonders of nature as you go and maybe pick some stems to decorate your home. Getting your body moving is invigorating and can counterbalance the rich eating and drinking onslaught.
5. Make do... For a major feel good hit.. cut up last year's Christmas cards to make labels.. feels like you are really doing something positive for the environment and reminds you of how much you love the regular good cheer from friends every year!
6. Feed the birds. It feels good to share the Christmas abundance with the birds and animals that live in the garden or wild spaces. The squirrels, magpies, blue tit's robins and no doubt field mice. All get a look in the cottage garden.
7. Read. Begin a tradition of reading a Christmas Story Book every year together. We loved reading Little Grey Rabbit's Christmas by Alison Uttley, illustrated by Margaret Tempest after lunch at our Wishing Tree event to the delight of all. All about a family of animals who are invited to the forest where mole has decorated the trees for all the animals. It takes us back to the child within us all who was entranced by the wonder of Christmas.
8. Let the music play or sing songs .. make a your own Christmas Play List on Spotify. Find a carol concert or go to a midnight mass service or have a sing song whilst you are doing the washing up. Singing lifts our spirits and releases any tension.
9. Do a Digital Detox... make the most of this time away from work and turn off all your social media and emails. Send a note to all that you are taking a tech holiday. Play board games or play the acting game or book game. Friction arises when the house is full of different opinions and life styles clash at Christmas. An easy antidote is to get out the board games. Great for bonding all ages from kids to grandparents.
10. Finally don't forget it's your Christmas too. Enjoy yourself! Let things slip if it means you are not pushed over the edge. It really doesn't matter. Delegate and make the most of every moment. Take time out and rest when you need it and do something that makes you happy, a favourite feel good film in front of the fire.. ? Our favourites are Elf, Love Actually, It's a Wonderful Life and Home Alone. Don't focus on the past or the future. Both are gone and unknown. What matters is now. Your time is precious on this earth. Happy Christmas!
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